Page 111 of Ghost of the Ton

“You fear that I’d refuse to treat a woman whose profession renders her objectionable in the eyes of many—including those who purchase her services?” he said.

Mia nodded.

“An understandable assumption to make,” he continued, “but I take my oath of service in the spirit in which it was written. Every soul deserves to be treated, and I’d never refuse to admit a brave woman willing to help her kinsmen by taking the vaccine to them.”

He lifted a small brass bell from the desk and rang it. Shortly after, the clerk who’d ushered Mia in appeared.

“Ah, Jonas. Please send Miss…?”

“Maisie MacLennan,” Mia said.

“…Miss MacLennan in. Tell her that I particularly wish to see her. And send for young Ginny.”

“Aye, Dr. Nimmo, sir.”

The clerk bowed and disappeared, then returned shortly after with Maisie. The doctor gazed at her, taking in, no doubt, the painted face, the too-bright but shabby attire, and Maisie’s evident discomfort at being a whore who’d passed through the front door of one of the finest medical establishments in the country. But his expression showed none of the lust that glimmered in the eyes of almost every man who looked upon Maisie. Instead, they showed appreciation and respect.

“Do come in, Miss MacLennan.”

“But sir, I’ve no right to—”

“You’re my guest, come to receive the vaccine, which gives you every right to be here.”

Maisie took the seat next to Mia.

“I applaud your bravery, Miss MacLennan,” Dr. Nimmo said.

“Thank ye, sir.”

“Shall we proceed, or do you wish me to explain the process first?”

“No thank ye, sir… I mean, yes, we may proceed,” Maisie said. “Mia has already explained the process.”

“And are you equipped, Miss Lucas?”

Mia opened her valise and took out a knife wrapped in a cloth, a small pouch containing her needles, and a candle.

“My dear,” the doctor said, “you come better prepared than most of my students, but a woman knows the benefits of preparation more than a man, as I always say.”

Or, Mia suspected, as Mrs. Nimmo always said.

“I have a candle,” he said. “Save yours for your journey in case you have need of it.”

He retrieved a candle from a drawer, set it in a candlestick, then handed it to Mia with a nod. She rose and lit it from the fireplace, then, as she returned to the desk, the door opened and a young woman entered.

“Ah, Ginny,” the doctor said. “Our benefactress. How are you today, child?”

“I’m well, thank ye, Dr. Nimmo, sir.”

“Though not completely recovered from cowpox, I trust?” he said, nodding to the girl’s arm. “Sit, please.”

The girl gave a shy smile, then took a seat and lifted her sleeve to expose a cluster of blisters on her forearm.

Maisie’s eyes widened, but she lifted her own sleeve.

“Are you certain, Maisie?” Mia said.

“Aye.”